The ODM and UDA parties are now in a heated dispute over ODM’s stance that the ruling party should not field candidates in its strongholds.
ODM leaders are now urging President William Ruto and Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga to discuss the issue to prevent further division.
ODM wants only its own candidates to be allowed to contest in its strongholds, leaving the Rift Valley region for UDA.
UDA politicians, especially from Luo Nyanza, argue that ODM’s demands would prevent citizens from electing leaders of their choice.
UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar rejected the proposal, saying the strength of each party should be tested at the ballot box.
“ODM claims they are the stronger party and want areas allocated to them. Let us meet at the polls,” said Omar.
Last weekend, MPs Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga), Eve Obara (Kabondo Kasipul), and Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town) vowed that only ODM would field candidates in Nyanza and its other political strongholds.
“There is no debate here. Our agreement with UDA must allow us to keep our strongholds,” said Atandi during a church service in the Muhoroni constituency over the weekend.
Ruth Odinga, Kisumu Woman Representative, also stated that ODM deserves to protect its political strongholds while also fielding candidates for other positions.
Strongholds
Kaluma emphasized that ODM’s political strongholds should not be interfered with, citing Homa Bay County as an example.
“Our goal here in Homa Bay is for all seat holders to come from ODM,” said Kaluma.
However, UDA candidates have vowed not to back down and said they will contest against ODM rivals at the polls.
In the Kasipul constituency, candidates Festus Juma, Fredrick Abala (UDA Secretary-General), and Ken Chiaga (Kasipul West Ward candidate) all opposed ODM’s proposal to be left uncontested in Homa Bay County.
Juma argued that ODM might be assuming it will lose many seats without the presence of their late leader Raila Odinga, which is why they insist on being left uncontested.
“Homa Bay is no longer an ODM stronghold, and all politicians must be allowed to compete fairly and transparently. We want all parties to field candidates so citizens can choose the leader they want,” said Juma.
Abala added that Kenya’s Constitution allows anyone to contest leadership positions independently and urged voters not to succumb to political pressure.
“They have been relying on all six candidates being voted in under one party’s ticket. This time things will be different, and I believe UDA will win many seats here in Homa Bay,” said Abala.
Chiaga said that having representatives from only one party has prevented Homa Bay ward representatives from properly assessing the performance of Governor Gladys Wanga.
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